Eight artists selected to create art for Expo Line Phase 2 stations

The Expo Line Construction Authority Board this afternoon authorized the CEO to issue art program contracts with eight highly-qualified and well-regarded artists, selected by panels of arts professionals and community members.

Selected artists include: Shizu Saldamando, Abel Alejandre, Susan Logoreci, Nzuji de Magalhaes, Constance Mallinson, Carmen Argote, Judithe Hernandez and Walter Hood. The artists were selected from a pool of over 400 submittals. Artworks will be included at each of the new rail stations currently under construction. More to follow as the artwork designs progress.

Interested in art opportunities with Metro? Visit metro.net/art and click on “Artist Opportunities” to download the latest Call to Artists for projects at El Monte Station.

The only reason why the Art in the new stations does not work, is related to the fact that MTA has taken a micromanagement approach of the program. Artists are not creators of the artwork, they are just designers and paid about a 15% fee (of the allocated funds) to create a concept, in an area that is ben designated by the current burrocrats/”Art Planners” who do not have talent and vision to make great art. Look at the earlier stages of the program, the Gold Line Union-Pasadena is a good example of how stations can be unique and inspiring. What has to be done first is change the people that are in charge of the current art program, perhaps that will motivate some business to use a beautiful space to sell their products.